The 14 women who were murdered 28 years ago at Montreal’s École Polytechnique were remembered at a vigil outside City Hall on Wednesday.
City counciller Valerie Warmington and elder Donna Wright led the ceremony, which is held every year on the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Following the vigil, the provincial government announced Thursday that $112,280 would be given to women and children organizations in Nelson, Creston, Salmo and Kaslo.
The money, which adds to the $851,432 in annual funding the organizations already receive, will go toward reducing waitlists and meeting demand for services such as counselling, outreach and crisis support.
“Violence against women hurts everyone and has long-term effects on families and in our communities,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall in a statement.
“For too long organizations like Nelson CARES, North Kootenay Lake Community Service Society, Creston Valley Community Services Society and Salmo Community Services Society have worked tirelessly to support victims of violence without the needed resources. This funding will significantly enhance supports for women and children affected by violence in our communities.”
The total provincial investment is $5 million.
The names of the women murdered in Montreal are:
Geneviève Bergeron; Hélène Colgan; Nathalie Croteau; Barbara Daigneault; Anne-Marie Edward; Maud Haviernick; Maryse Laganière; Maryse Leclair; Anne-Marie Lemay; Sonia Pelletier; Michèle Richard; Annie St-Arneault; Annie Turcotte; and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.
tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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